FAQs...
What is Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is the study of an individual's sleep. Millions of Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Over 80 types of sleep disorders are recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Diagnosis may require an overnight stay in a sleep disorder clinic while being monitored by a Polysomnography technician (“sleep tech”). The sleep tech will apply sensors to the patient's scalp, face, neck, legs and body to observe their physiologic parameters of sleep. If you would like to consider a job in a sleep disorder clinic, it typically requires working all night in order to monitor these parameters.
Do You Offer Job Placement Assistance?
While we do not offer job placement, we often receive phone calls from Sleep Disorder Clinics who are looking for employees. The certificate of completion of the program that you receive may make you a more desirable candidate for a position.
Who can attend SHMR training programs?
“Boot Camp Basic Training” is recommended for the individual with a new interest in the medical field. While most individuals who attend our “Fundamentals of Polysomnography” program have some type of medical background, we welcome those who have no experience and are seeking a career change.
Recommended experience levels vary for other programs. Please call to inquire, 815-298-0696.
Do you offer any financing options?
Payment Plan: we will implement an interest free payment plan suited to your financial needs (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Final payment must be made two weeks prior to the first day of the program.
Financing: options are available through American General Financial Services. There is no application fee, and they offer a variety of loan sizes (both secured and unsecured) to meet your needs. Simply visit www.agfinance.com or call us and we will find the most convenient location for you.
Where are SHMR programs held?
We are growing and expanding! Our programs are held in many regional areas. Look for us in Greater Chicagoland (Rockford), IL; Tampa, FL and Phoenix, AZ, Houston, TX, Glen Burnie, MD…and beyond. Locations are being added. We may even be coming to YOUR neck of the woods!
Let Sleep Health Management Resources come to you! We also offer in-lab training for sleep clinics who may have several technicians seeking education or training. Please call to inquire about our consulting fees and availability, 815-298-0696.
What should I wear?
Our goal is to provide students with the most comfortable environment possible. Casual to business-casual attire is acceptable.
Are there any meals included with the cost of the program?
Catered lunch is provided for most full day programs. Please advise us if you have any special dietary needs (allergies, special medications, etc.). Hot breakfast is provided for hotel guests in many locations.
What items should I bring?
We recommend bringing a pen and a highlighter.
Do I receive something for attending the program?
A certificate of completion and continuing education credits/units fare awarded for most Sleep Health Management Resources, Inc. programs. Please bring your AARC and APT membership numbers with you if you have them. The number of continuing education credits vary by program.
Are there any books or materials I should read prior to coming to a program?
A list of suggested reading material is available on the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists website (Go to www.BRPT.org and then click on the Reference Bookstore).
What is the closest airport?
Greater Chicago Area/Rockford:
O'Hare Int'l Airport
Midway Airport
Northwest Chicagoland Int'l Airport
Phoenix Area:
Sky Harbor Int'l Airport
How do I get from the airport to the program location?
Bus Services
Greater Chicago Area/Rockford: service is available from both Chicago airports to Rockford. Please visit www.vangalderbus.com for current prices and schedules.
Taxi/Shuttle Service
Greater Chicago Area/Rockford: service is provided by "In Need of a Lift" shuttle service from Northwest Chicagoland Int'l Airport. Please call 815-874-0371 for fares and schedule.
Phoenix Area: Please visit http://phoenix.gov/AVIATION/ (click on parking & transport, then taxi, bus, van & limo) for a listing of shuttle services.
Where do you recommend for lodging?
Greater Chicago Area/Rockford:
Holiday Inn of Rockford* (Also class location)
7550 E State St
Rockford, IL 61108
t: 815-398-2200
Phoenix Area:
The Residence Inn
941 West Grove Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
t: 480-610-0100
Houston Area:
Homewood Suites @ Kingwood Parc* (Also class location)
23320 Hwy 59 N
Kingwood, TX 77339
t. 281.358.5566
Tampa Area:
Wingate by Wyndham (Also class location)
3751 E Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33612
t. 813.979.2828
Who are the instructors and what is their experience?
Mary Kay Hobby, President & Founder
Nationally and regionally recognized sleep lecturer
Published author
17 years of experience in education
Chief Instructor of MSNi
Clinical Education Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy Department
10 years as a BCLS instructor
Active member of the Illinois Society for Respiratory Care Chapter 6 Education Committee
Registered Polysomnography Technologist
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Director at Large AAST
Jon Atkinson
Immediate Past President of the American Association of Sleep Technologists
Current Editor of A2Zzzz magazine
Nationally and regionally recognized sleep lecturer
Registered Polysomnography Technologist
Director at Large AAST